You may have seen them every now and again at events or on the street. The distinctive light blue hot dog truck with puzzle piece decals is a one-of-a-kind sight in Los Banos. Bentley and Papa’s Hot Dogs is a recent and very welcome addition to the mobile food pallet in Los Banos, serving multiple types of hot dogs, tamales, and even nachos.
Bentley and Papa’s Hot Dogs just started their operations on Feb. 13 of this year. The puzzle pieces may look like nice decorations for those not in the know, but they symbolize the hot dog business’ commitment to helping children with autism.
Operating this new truck is Bentley Caperon, an 11-year-old with autism and his 77-year-old Grandpa, Dennis “Papa” Lingo. Dennis Lingo has been working on the hot dog truck off and on for over 10 years. Lingo has been working on it in his spare time while also working as a truck driver.
At the age of 75, the insurance company deemed him “too old” to be driving trucks, and he was made to do less strenuous work. During this time, he took his leave and retired to work on the hot dog truck full time.
“I always wanted to retire,” Lingo said, “but I didn’t want to just sit, watch [tv], and look at old walls.”
The hot dog truck was not a purely commercial venture though, Lingo dedicated the business to his grandson with autism and committed to donating a percentage of the profits to the Valley Children’s Hospital and Autism.
Lingo hopes for Bentley to be able to take on the business as his own one day. “That’s what it’s all about, to help the kids and their parents in any way I can,” he said.
When asked why sell hot dogs, Lingo responded by pointing out the lack of any hot dog trucks in town and the number of other types of food trucks, especially highlighting the abundance of taco trucks. He ended his response by saying, “I like hotdogs.”
You can try out their delicious hotdog selection for yourself at Walmart Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and on G Street on Tuesday and Thursday.
